The Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games Board of Directors announced that $242,811 in legacy funds have been distributed to support sport development opportunities in the community. Memories of the highly successful Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games will live on in the community thanks to an unprecedented financial legacy that will enhance sports and arts opportunities within the Peace River Regional District.
"This legacy fund is a game-changer for athletes in Fort St. John who will continue to benefit from the winter games for years to come," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "I congratulate the host society volunteers and local partners for holding a successful event in 2020 that will have a lasting impact for people in the community."
Over two thousand athletes, coaches, and officials, along with thousands of spectators, converged on Games venues to participate in competitions in 15 different sports. Events were hosted within the City of Fort St. John, the District of Taylor, City of Dawson Creek, and Peace River Regional District.
“The Games would not have been possible without the support of our funding partners, the Province of B.C., the City of Fort St. John, and School District #60,” said Darren Snider, President of the Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games. “We are extremely proud to have the largest legacy in Winter Games history, a testament to the support of our funding partners, the in-kind and financial contributions of local businesses, and the entire community that rallied together to make these Games a tremendous success. The region hosted the Province and demonstrated the strong community spirit and support that is a signature of our communities here in the North.”
Fifteen local organizations received funding for infrastructure, equipment, and training as a result of budget savings, local fundraising, and merchandise sales. This is in addition to the over $80,000 worth of equipment and facility upgrades that came from the Games operational budget and the BC Games Society’s Powering Potential Fund during the Games themselves.
“These games experienced unprecedented support from our local businesses, which leaves a legacy that will continue to support events and local groups for many years to come. Additionally, thanks to the BC Winter Games, our community will benefit from the over 2,000 trained volunteers and upgraded sport facilities,” says Mayor of Fort St. John, Lori Ackerman. “Congratulations to the Board of Directors of the 2020 BC Winter Games for their extraordinary work.”
Building infrastructure and showcasing the region’s capacity to host major events was a primary goal of the BC Winter Games. Fort St John is the northern most community to stage the Games and 1984 was the last time the city hosted the event.
“Fort St. John is known for its hospitality and get it done attitude,” says Snider. “The success of these Games is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.”
Media Contact:
Darren Snider
Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games
President
redinsholdings@gmail.com
Justine Johnson
BC Games Society
Marketing and Engagement Manager
justinej@bcgames.org